To: The Oberlin College Community
From: Clifton Barnes, Assistant Director of Safety and Security
Date: December 16, 2014

A report of a physical assault that involved sexual imposition (unwanted touching) that occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2014, has been shared by a College administrator with the Office of Safety and Security. A male, described as white, average height, with blondish hair, began following a student walking between residence halls on north campus. The male was using vulgar language towards the student. He grabbed the student from behind attempting to force them to the ground. An unidentified bystander disrupted the assault allowing the student to run from the male. The report has been shared with the Oberlin Police Department.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or experienced a similar occurrence should report it to Safety and Security or the Office of Equity Concerns.

While not all crimes can be prevented, and the below advise may not be specific for this incident, please be reminded to take special care for your own safety and the safety of others, and to be well acquainted with the requirements of the Oberlin Student Conduct Policies, including the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Additional recommendations include:

● Do not use drugs or alcohol as an excuse to rationalize your own abusive behavior towards someone else. Voluntary intoxication is not an excuse for unacceptable behavior under the law or under College Policies.
● As a bystander, be ready to intervene when it is safe to do so. Observe how others are acting or interacting, and decide if you have a responsibility to provide a safe form of assistance, including reporting concerning behavior to Safety and Security. If you see someone that might be in a bad situation or you just want to check in with them, DO! As a support for your community, report situations that may pose a risk for persons present.

Seek assistance from the Oberlin Police if there is an emergency: Dial 9-1-1, or dial directly 440-774-1061.

On campus, Safety and Security can be contacted at 440-775-8911. Contact Safety and Security for a safety escort if you need assistance leaving a social function by calling (440) 775-8444 or Ext. 58444 from an on campus phone. RideLine transportation is available 9 pm to 2 am during the semester by calling 440-775-RIDE.

Oberlin College Safety and Security urges anyone who believes they have experienced sexual assault to immediately contact local law enforcement. Dial 9-1-1, or dial Oberlin Police directly at 440-774-1061.
Persons who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct are encouraged to seek support. Information may be obtained from the Office of Equity Concerns / Title IX Coordinator at (440) 775-8410, or through the Lorain County Rape Crisis Center at 1-800-888-6161.